RENSSELAER COUNTY EXECUTIVE STEVE MCLAUGHLIN VETOES QUESTIONABLE COST-OVERRUN RESOLUTION, SAYING MORE ANSWERS ARE NEEDED

Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin announced he has vetoed a resolution approved by the County Legislature for a nearly $2 million change-order for a project at Hudson Valley Community College, saying there are too many unanswered questions about the issue.

At issue is a change-order totaling $1.9 million for the ATEC project at Hudson Valley Community College. Much of the expense was incurred for work done before the project had a valid work permit, along with other issues involving contracts and financing.

McLaughlin had asked legislators to not approve the resolution, stating his concerns about the expenditure in a lengthy correspondence to county lawmakers before the March 10, 2026 meeting. He had also presented legislators with several questions in the correspondence, all of which remain unanswered.

“As County Executive, I asked legislators for answers to several questions, including how construction costs could be incurred before a work permit was issue. There has been no response from lawmakers to these questions,” said McLaughlin.

“The question remains as to who exactly ordered construction work to start at the college before a work permit was issued, a very basic requirement. I recognize these issues occurred during the previous college administration, but answers are needed,” he added.

“Until these very basic questions are addressed, I cannot support this resolution. It would be irresponsible to give approval until a full explanation is made and ready for public review,” said McLaughlin.

In his correspondence, McLaughlin also noted ongoing issues regarding a potential Project Labor Agreement, and financing for the project. The prior administration of the college originally estimated the project at $85 million, but said costs could go higher if optional additions were pursued.

“Instead, following review and fair questions from my office, the project came in at a cost of $63 million, and may be less once construction is completed. That review was fiscally responsible because the county would have been liable for expenses if the college did not come up with money for the project,” said McLaughlin.